Arsenal fan Tshabalala sparks Bafanarama + Diaby impresses
161 comments June 12th, 2010
The World Cup got underway yesterday, replete with giant dung beetles, R-Kelly, and a wonder goal that will be remembered in emotive montages for years to come.
Siphiwe Tshabalala hammered in the first goal of the tournament with a great left-footed strike, igniting wild celebratory scenes, particularly in my living room. The moment was made all the better by the confirmation that soon followed: Tshabalala is an Arsenal fan.
Carlos Vela had started for Mexico and almost set up a goal for Franco with a lovely clipped pass. However, he didn’t pose a consistent threat and was eventually substituted with twenty minutes to go. With lots of pretty movement and little end product, he floated like a butterfly and stung like a camp aside. Five years ago Vela was the top scorer at the U-17 World Cup. The chances of replicating that at senior level seem slim.
France’s team against Uruguay contained a veritable bevy of Arsenal players past and present. William Gallas played at centre-back – he is reportedly about to receive an offer from Juventus to join the existing bid from Panathanaikos – with Bacary Sagna and Abou Diaby also in the starting XI. France were turgid, but Diaby came off best, receiving praise from the Uruguay manager and being awarded the Man of the Match award by L’Equipe.
Diaby playing well, eh? Expect an injury imminently…
